13.09.07 – By Ted Sares: There seems to be too many instances of mismatches and fighters who are protected by being matched with designated losers. Rahman-Ryan and Tua-Fox quickly come to mind. So it is gratifying when fighters and their management take fights with equally imposing opponents. In this regard, the next few months into early 2008 looks to be super fan-friendly to which the following attests:
Unbeaten vs. Unbeaten
This is the first time in a long time that so many unbeaten champs are facing one another in a short time span. More than just someone’s “O” will go.
Jermain Taylor (27-0) vs. Kelly Pavlik (31-0). Boxer vs. bomber. Two unbeaten guys going against each other with different styles.
Chad Dawson (24-0) vs. Adrian Diaconu (24-0). Solid match for the 175 pound title, and very difficult to call. Skilled boxer vs. brawling bomber.
Joe Calzaghe (43-0) vs. Mikkel Kessler (39-0). Two unbeaten top fighters putting it all on the line in a Euro/Global monster fight..
Floyd Mayweather (38-0) vs. Ricky Hatton. (43-0) Mr. “Full Package” vs. incoming, never say die, action fighter. What a mega scenario!
And These Also Loom:
Bailey vs. Bradley. Looks like hard-punching former two-time world champion Randall Bailey (35-6, 32 KOs) will face unbeaten WBC #2 rated Timothy Bradley (21-0, 11 KOs) in an attractive nationally televised bout on October 5.An unbeaten fighter facing an old pro who is on a streak (he was stiffed robbed in his last fight). Cross roads time with both guys taking a risk.
Santos-Rosales. An entertaining battle of junior welterweight KO artists, Americo Santos (26-2-1, 22 KOs) will take on Michel Rosales (17-1, 15 KOs) on October 5.Two guys who could beat each other silly. Should be a sizzler.
Joan Guzman (27-0) vs. Humberto Soto (42-5-2). Solid pro vs. slick unbeaten champ. Soto a definite threat.
Calvin Brock (31-1) vs. Eddie Chambers (29-0). Very decent match up. Comebacking veteran vs. unbeaten contender. Chambers looking to step up fast.
And what about Cotto vs. Mosley? And also, Duddy vs. Navascues, Peter vs. Maskiev, Manny vs. Marco Antonio Barrera, and Ibragimov vs. Holyfield are anticipative? Also, Jones-Tito and Povetkin-Byrd are on tap. Heck, even Mesi-Minto is competitive, if not compelling.
What’s not to like?